The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the Cape Town Convention, a move aimed at strengthening the country’s aviation sector and aligning it with global best practices.
Speaking at a one-day conference on the Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment and the Protocol on Matters Specific to Aircraft Equipment in Abuja, Acting Director General, NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, said the agreement offers immense opportunities in enhancing aviation financing, safeguarding creditor rights, and fostering a more predictable and sustainable legal environment for the industry.
The Cape Town Convention, which was ratified by Nigeria in 2020, aims to promote growth, stability, and resilience in the aviation industry by streamlining aircraft transactions, improving legal consistency, and promoting industry standards.
Capt. Najomo commended the vision of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for their commitment to the growth of the sector, which aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda’s priorities of economic development, innovation, and global competitiveness.
The NCAA DG emphasized that the Cape Town Convention aligns seamlessly with the agenda, offering a pathway to modernizing the aviation sector and ensuring its contribution to Nigeria’s prosperity.
He noted that Nigeria’s improved ranking on the Aviation Working Group’s Cape Town Convention Compliance Index is a testament to the country’s progress.
The key objectives of the Cape Town Convention, according to Captain Najomo, include:
. Streamlining aircraft transactions and facilitating assets-based financing
. Improving legal consistency and international registry
. Promoting industry standards and aligning national regulations with global best practices
To support the implementation of the Convention, the NCAA issued an Advisory Circular on October 16, 2024, providing information and guidance on civil aviation regulatory requirements and procedures for recording and canceling de-registration of aircraft and exporting aircraft.
Capt. Najomo reiterated the NCAA’s commitment to implementing the Cape Town Convention to its fullest potential, saying, “Let us remain focused on our shared vision of excellence. Together, we can build a resilient, competitive, and globally recognized aviation sector that reflects the aspirations of our Great Nation, Nigeria.”
